Willie Revillame On Spotlight Once Again

Early today, I saw a video on my Facebook wall, and so I watched it. To my dismay, I know there is again something wrong, very alarming. And that shouldn't be tolerated... After seeing the video, I want to give Jan-Jan a big hug. I cannot imagine myself and even hubby, allowing that incident to happen to our "precious little one!"

Read the Latest News from Yahoo! OMG! Philippines...

DSWD protests ‘Willing Willie’ over dancing 6-year-old

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman wrote on Monday, March 28, a letter of protest to TV5 management, headed by its chairman Manny Pangilinan, over another controversy involving "Willing Willie" host Willie Revillame.

Soliman had appealed to the network not to allow children to endure ridicule and embarrassment on national television after its early evening program allowed a six-year-old boy named Jan-Jan Suan to perform dance moves akin to male erotic dancing. During the routine, Jan-Jan was crying amid laughs from the audience and strikingly from Revillame himself.

In an e-mail to Yahoo! OMG! Philippines, Soliman said: "I will write a letter of protest to Channel 5 (and) to Mr. Manny Pangilinan regarding the case and we should all write him and demand that children should not be part of the show. They should not be used as instrument for enjoyment and to be laughed at. I will send the communication today."

At one point during Jan-Jan's performance, Revillame said: "Umiiyak pa yan…Ngayon pa sa hirap ng buhay ng tao…si Jan Jan siyempre sasayaw bilang macho dancer sa edad na yan para sa kanyang mahal na pamilya…pinahanga mo ako Jan Jan."

"Lumuluha yan…parang sa pelikulang 'Burlesk Queen'…umiiyak na ganoon…ginagawa para sa pamilya. Masama ang loob pero kailangan kong gawin para sa mahal sa buhay," he added.

The show's spinner then repeated the song the child had danced to five times after, apparently forcing the sobbing child to repeat his "macho dancing," even in his final appearance on a rising platform on stage.

DSWD statement

A few hours after her e-mail, Soliman sent the protest letter to TV5 which was addressed to Pangilinan. In this regard, the DSWD sent Yahoo! OMG! Philippines its official statement:

"The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) condemns the emotional abuse and humiliation bestowed on a six-year-old child contestant, during the March 12, 2011 episode of the Willing Willie show aired on TV5.

The sequence shows the boy gyrating in a distasteful manner with the audience, including the host (Willie Revillame), manifesting no evidence of concern or alarm for the child. This incident is clearly a violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and a blatant manifestation of child abuse. The term “child abuse” includes the following acts: “psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment,” and “any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child as a human being.”

Putting pressure on children to do acts such as mimicking adult sexy dances, in exchange for a certain amount of money, and at the expense of being laughed at and ridiculed by hundreds of people, clearly traumatizes the child. This is a clear form of child abuse and will not be tolerated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Department has already communicated to ABC Development Communication Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan asking that children should not be allowed to appear in TV shows like Willing Willie, especially those capitalizing on poverty as a source of immediate entertainment. In the formal communication with Mr. Pangilinan, the Department has also rebuked the insensitive actions and remarks of Mr. Revillame.

On a final note, the Department is also conducting its own investigation on the said incident and if warranted under the circumstances, legal action will be taken against the TV 5 management and other concerned parties in violation of RA 7610. The necessary counseling will also be awarded to the child and his parents, to prevent further trauma and abuse due to the media hype brought about by this saddening incident."

MTRCB action

For its part, the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has begun to act on complaints regarding the "Willing Willie" episode. In a brief published on its website, the MTRCB said, "The Board received numerous complaints about the 12 March 2011 episode of “Willing Willie” aired over Kapatid Network TV5 where a six-year old boy contestant was shown to be gyrating and impersonating the body movements of a macho dancer.

In accordance with the Board’s duty to enforce the Constitutional mandate that the State shall defend the rights of children from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development, the Board has referred the matter to the Hearing and Adjudication Committee for appropriate disposition.

The Board further emphasizes that whenever children are featured in television programs, producers are mandated to observe legal standards stipulated in R.A. 7160 to avoid “psychological abuse xxx cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment” and “any act by deeds and words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child.”

Meanwhile, TV5 Head of Creative and TV Entertainment Perci Intalan told Yahoo! OMG! Philippines that the network and "Willing Willie" producer Wil Productions are aware of the issue and the comments of the public regarding the matter and are currently in discussions on appropriate action.

How to Find a Good Nanny or a Reliable Yaya

Know Some Effective Ways to Find a Nanny - What, When, Where, Why, Who and How.

True, it is so hard to find the most reliable, loyal and honest nanny to whom we can entrust our kids, valuables, humble abode and everything. Honestly, hubby and I were having a difficulty settling on a "quite perfect one" long-term Yaya.

We perfectly know we are kind, fair and considerate enough to all of them but nothing seems to last. It is either they got sick, needed to leave for some personal reason/s, or worst, got caught and be put in jail for her to learn her lessons.

We always treat them as a family; we give in to their requests and never doubt or judge them; we make them feel they belong in the family and whatever she wants, she gets as long as she doesn't go beyond her boundaries and limitations. She can practice her freedom and her rights provided that it is lawful, fair and just.

However, most of them seem to go beyond their parameters and have become quite abusive. And so we now have this big problem and need to deal with this immediately. Otherwise, everybody suffers.

Here are some useful tips to help you find the "right" one and convince her to stay:

1.) Treat your nanny with respect – this goes a long long way in any relationship. They are not robots, make sure that you give them time to rest once in a while and give them rest days. Also, make sure you do not leave your children with them day in and day out. It is their job to help you with the baby, but ultimately, you are still the parent.

2.) Be kind – everyone is fighting his or her own battles, and so learn to be kind. If there are mishaps, then do not readily blame them or accuse them. Ask. Ask what happened, and don’t jump to conclusions. There may be times when you may question their judgment on things especially when it concerns poor child safety. On the other hand, you may be surprised, just if you’d take the time to ask. You may find out that they may just have a different way of viewing things, although faulty at times. But that’s why they’re nannies to begin with.

3.) Be generous. – While some people may object to this, i would say that it plays a big factor on why people leave. Plus, being generous doesn’t necessarily have to equate to giving money. You can be generous with praise when they did a good job. People like it when they get recognition for a job well done. Other things relating to this would be giving out their law-mandated benefits, such as their social security and medical contributions, that’s part of being humane.

4.) Trust, respect and consideration. It takes two to tango. It is a mutual relationship. Observe the Golden Rule. Otherwise, both parties would suffer and be miserable. So make the most out of your working relationship/s and get what you both deserve.

We’ll hope that helps you keep your good nannies, if you happen to have one right now. Otherwise, I hope it converts your current nanny or sitter into a good one.

But for now, just like you, we are also in search of a good one.

Now, do you know anyone? Please help. Contact us at 0915871-8721. :-)

A Yaya Indeed; A Nanny Indeed.

♥♥♥ Mai Raine ♥♥♥

How to Deal With Your Colleagues

The Basics of Office Management

Reality Bites…

How some people can be so rude and abusive at times.

I am not used to working with lazy people. People who are pretending to be so busy yet tend to accomplish nothing. I am trained to work hard – maximizing my time, resources and my skills. Productivity, competence, integrity and work ethics are in me – showing gratitude and much concern to the company I am working for/with. I am so proud that I have them in me. I am just saddened to see and spend time with some people who can be so abusive and negligent.

I pity those people who are working just because they have to and not because they want to grow and learn new things. I am just wondering why they cannot be so inspired going to work and looking at the brighter side of the picture. Optimism has to be in us. If we usually see things negatively and destructively, then we may never grow or would never get any better.

In any industry or company, working longer hours in the office denotes inefficiency. Thus, overtime shall only happen at times and not as often as everyday. In many big corporations, office works that can be done in eight hours should be done accordingly and on time. Otherwise, you are both ineffective and inefficient.

Another instance, intercom shall only be used if necessary or if the situation really calls for it. But if you only tend to look for someone and you feel lazy of not using your feet and roaming around the office, I guess you are not using the “technology” properly. In that case, you are being too abusive.

Personally, I don’t want to destruct my fellow colleagues working and being so busy just because they need to answer my call and look for somebody else. In that manner, I am disturbing and bothering them with something very petty. And this doesn’t make sense at all. Think about this: Why should I do “that” if I could do that with my feet, on my “very” own…

Sometimes we need to realize little things that we tend to abuse or misuse whether unconsciously or subconsciously.

I don’t really care if you agree with me or not… because this is me and I live with what I believe is fair, right and just. Remember what I told you before? I am a man of principles. And I am bound to do the right thing no matter how hard it is.

Today is the high time for you to clear your mind out and set your values and principles. With this, you can establish your self-identity, the “you” – exactly who you are or better yet, what HE wants you to be.

I am who I am. And you are who you are, right? Let us both respect our own personal and professional spaces.

♥♥♥ Mai Raine ♥♥♥

Tokyo,Japan: Earthquake, Tsunami and Aftershocks

TOKYO – Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency says at least 17 people have died in the quake and tsunami that hit the north.

The quake unleashed a 13-foot (4-meter) tsunami that swept boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.

Fires triggered by Friday's quake are burning out of control up and down the coast, including one at an oil refinery.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was a magnitude 8.9, while Japan's meteorological agency measured it at 8.8. It struck at 2:46 p.m. and was followed by more than 20 aftershocks, including several at least 6.3, the size of the quake that struck New Zealand recently.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TOKYO (AP) — A powerful tsunami spawned by the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history slammed the eastern coast Friday, sweeping away boats, cars, homes and people as widespread fires burned out of control. A local news report said at least 15 people were killed.

The magnitude 8.9 offshore quake was followed by at least 19 aftershocks, most of them of more than magnitude 6.0. Dozens of cities and villages along the 1,300-mile (2,100-kilometer) stretch of the country's eastern shore were shaken by violent tremors that reached as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the epicenter in the sea off the northeastern coast.

A tsunami warning was issued for the entire Pacific, including areas as far away as South America, the entire U.S. West Coast, Canada and Alaska.

Kyodo news agency said 15 people were killed. The government confirmed only five deaths.

"The earthquake has caused major damage in broad areas in northern Japan," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference.

Even for a country used to earthquakes, this one was of horrific proportions.

Large fishing boats and other sea vessels rode high waves into the cities, slamming against overpasses. Upturned and partially submerged vehicles were seen bobbing in the water.

Waves of muddy waters swept over farmland near the city of Sendai, carrying buildings, some on fire, inland as cars attempted to drive away. Sendai airport, north of Tokyo, was inundated with cars, trucks, buses and thick mud deposited over its runways. Fires spread through a section of the city, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The tsunami roared over embankments, washing cars, houses and farm equipment inland before reversing directions and carrying them out to sea. Flames shot from some of the houses, probably because of burst gas pipes.

"Our initial assessment indicate that there has already been enormous damage," Chief government spokesman Yukio Edano said. "We will make maximum relief effort based on that assessment."

He said the Defense Ministry was sending troops to the quake-hit region. A utility aircraft and several helicopters were on the way.

A large fire erupted at the Cosmo oil refinery in Ichihara city in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo and was burning out of control with 100-foot (30 meter) -high flames whipping into the sky.

NHK showed footage of a large ship being swept away and ramming directly into a breakwater in Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 2:46 p.m. quake was a magnitude 8.9, the biggest earthquake to hit Japan since officials began keeping records in the late 1800s, according to NHK.

A tsunami warning was extended to a number of Pacific, Southeast Asian and Latin American nations, including Japan, Russia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Chile. In the Philippines, authorities said they expect a 3-foot (1-meter) high tsunami.

The quake struck at a depth of six miles (10 kilometers), about 80 miles (125 kilometers) off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 240 miles (380 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo.

In downtown Tokyo, large buildings shook violently and workers poured into the street for safety. TV footage showed a large building on fire and bellowing smoke in the Odaiba district of Tokyo. The tremor bent the upper tip of the iconic Tokyo Tower, a 333-meter (1,093-foot) steel structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Several nuclear plants along the coast were partially shut down, but there were no reports of any radioactive leakage.

In central Tokyo, trains were stopped and passengers walked along the tracks to platforms. NHK said more than 4 million buildings were without power in Tokyo and its suburbs.

A large numbers of people waited at Tokyo's Shinjuku station, the world's busiest train station, for service to resume so they could go home. TV announcers urged workers not to leave their offices to prevent injuries in case of more strong aftershocks.

Osamu Akiya, 46, was working in Tokyo at his office in a trading company when the quake hit.

It sent bookshelves and computers crashing to the floor, and cracks appeared in the walls.

"I've been through many earthquakes, but I've never felt anything like this," he said. "I don't know if we'll be able to get home tonight."

Footage on NHK from their Sendai office showed employees stumbling around and books and papers crashing from desks. It also showed a glass shelter at a bus stop in Tokyo completely smashed by the quake and a weeping woman nearby being comforted by another woman.

Several quakes had hit the same region in recent days, including a 7.3 magnitude one on Wednesday.

Thirty minutes after the main quake, tall buildings were still swaying in Tokyo and mobile phone networks were not working. Japan's Coast Guard set up a task force and officials were standing by for emergency contingencies, Coast Guard official Yosuke Oi said.

"I'm afraid we'll soon find out about damages, since the quake was so strong," he said.

Tokyo's main airport was closed. A large section of the ceiling at the 1-year-old airport at Ibaraki, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo, fell to the floor with a powerful crash.

Dozens of fires were reported in northern prefectures of Fukushima, Sendai, Iwate and Ibaraki. Collapsed homes and landslides were also reported in Miyagi.

Japan's worst previous quake was in 1923 in Kanto, an 8.3-magnitude temblor that killed 143,000 people, according to USGS. A 7.2-magnitude quake in Kobe city in 1996 killed 6,400 people.

Japan lies on the "Ring of Fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching around the Pacific where about 90 percent of the world's quakes occur, including the one that triggered the Dec. 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami that killed an estimated 230,000 people in 12 nations. A magnitude-8.8 temblor that shook central Chile last February also generated a tsunami and killed 524 people.

Read more details and information HERE.

Crisis Management 101 - How to Cope with Stress, Anxiety and Grief

The five stages of coping with crisis, stress and grief is abbreviated as DABDA. The stages include:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

Life is a journey, not a destination. So, enjoy it and make the most out of it. Learn how to accept and maximize what you have. After all, life is what you make it. Making it a fun-filled travel and experience gives us the ultimate satisfaction we could ever have. Bon Voyage!

♥♥♥ Mai Raine ♥♥♥

Jimmy Hwa Cu, Jr. - The Man of the Hour

Jimmy Hwa Cu, Jr. is Chinese by blood, a "green card" holder, a Filipino by heart, and a very flexible, competent and successful business man - the great mind behind the growth of Markenburg International Foods Corporation.

JHC Principles: What Our Boss Has In Mind

Tao sa tao. Lahat ay tao; tayo ay pantay-pantay.

Huwag pagkaguluhan ang isang kusing kung mayroong isang libo na pwedeng paghatian.

Huwag iiyak sa wala; hanapin at magpasalamat sa meron.

Golden Rule: Do unto others what you want others do unto you.

Everybody is equal.

In business, there has to be no emotions. You save that for your family.

Solve the problem; then get back into business.

Know your advantage and make it your foothold.

If you want to be better, always compare yourself to someone better.

Live with all integrity.

Do what it right no matter how hard it is.

Do whatever you need to survive.

I don’t care about what other people would say; all I care is what my wife thinks about me.

Sometimes the best deal we could ever make is the deal that we stay away from.

Live like a canary in a coal mine often refers to - Serve as a warning to others.

If you see injustice, speak up.

Learn from the past and work for the future.

Better stop the numbers than lose your soul.

Do not quibble at something you don’t know and understand.

Whatever is your advantage, maximize it.

Be careful with what you ask/wish for because you might get it.

How can you forecast your needs? Know your product; know your customer; know your competitors.

– JHC, Jr.

Markenburg is one of the leading Filipino confectionery manufacturers, catering the distinct needs of the market for more than a decade.

Strategically located in the outskirts of Metro Manila (Philippines), Markenburg started its operation in 1996 as a manufacturing company of marshmallows primarily for exports. After its successful bid in the international market, Markenburg committed itself to expanding its product line based on market requirements and decided to provide the local industry with quality products the international market is enjoying.

Currently, Markenburg is one of the respected food manufacturing companies, and considered one of the growth drivers of the Philippine confectionery industry. Heightening Competitiveness
Markenburg efficiently combines the strengths of local expertise with seamless global technologies, such as production machinery from Europe and packaging machinery from Japan.

A Commitment to Quality
Along with Markenburg’s unstoppable commitment in customizing its product lines according to market needs, the company is consistent in observing good manufacturing practices that protect the company’s employees, partners, and consumers. Furthering the company’s strict quality standards are the stringent quality control and in-house microbiological testing that ensure and monitor the safety and quality of all Markenburg products.

Hachiko: Japan's most Faithful Dog - Thumbs Up!

A year ago, hubby and I bought a DVD, Hachiko. This is basically a Dog's Story, (a.k.a. Hachi: A Dog's Tale) a 2009 American drama film based on the true story of the faithful Akita Hachikō. It is a remake of the 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari.

And we never thought that we could be so touched and be moved in such ways. I personally cried and was caught into heavy tears. We simply admire how this man's best friend can value friendship and loyalty even better than how we see and feel its real essence and meaning.

So if you think you haven't got anything to savor this weekend, hubby and I recommend this movie as it has a lot of things to make us realize most of the important things about love, friendship, loyalty and love.

Have you watched this movie? If you do, please feel free to share it with us. If not, I suggest you do - as you would really be touched and be able to define friendship and loyalty at a much higher level. Enjoy! Happy weekend.

TOKYO, JAPAN - Loyalty, faithfulness and unconditional love are qualities that have earned dogs the title of "man's best friend". One particular Akita dog took these qualities to such an extreme, he has earned a place in the hearts of all Japanese people, and has kept that place for over sixty years!

Nestled amid hoards of harried commuters, a variety of shops and department stores, and a giant television screen that covers half a skyscraper, a life sized bronze statue of a dog can be found at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Train Station. Despite the diminutive size of the statue in comparison to the massive neon flash of the city, it isn't difficult to find. Millions of Tokyoites have been meeting at the landmark since 1934 and continue to do so today.

Chu-ken Hachiko (lit. the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in Akita in 1923 and was first brought to Tokyo in 1924. He and his owner, Mr. Eisaburo Uyeno, were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day "Hachi" would accompany Eisaburo, a professor at the Imperial University, to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, the professor would find the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home.

Despite the fact that Hachiko was less than two years old at the time, the bond between dog and owner was strong. Hachiko continued to wait each day at Shibuya station for a friend who was never coming back. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch.

The Akita became a familiar sight to commuters as he kept his vigil for over ten years. On March 8, 1935, Hachiko finally went to meet his master. He died on the very same spot he last saw his friend alive.

Statue Erected
Hachiko, Japan's most Faithful Dog, many people who passed the loyal dog each day were so touched by his story that they erected a statue in his honor in 1934. The famous artist Ando Teru was commissioned for the original bronzed sculpture, which was melted down during the war.

After the war, Hachiko was hardly forgotten. In 1948 The Society For Recreating The Hachiko Statue commissioned Ando Tekeshi, son of the original artist who has since passed away, to make a second statue.

Being a dog lover, the Hachiko statue has become an important pilgrimage for me each time I find myself in Tokyo. During my last visit with "Hachi," I encountered an old man who had also come to pay his respects. He told me in broken English "I knew him. I used to bring him treats. The station was much smaller then." With that he approached the statue, gave it a friendly pat, wiped a tear from his eye and slowly walked away.

Though Hachiko stood only two feet tall and weighed 92 pounds, the message he left on the importance of good friends is enormous. Hachiko's life has been portrayed in a book and motion picture (The Hachiko Story). Travelers going through Shibuya station can buy gifts and souvenirs of their favorite canine at the Hachiko Memorial Store called Shibuya No Shippo or "Tail of Shibuya." A colorful mosaic of Akitas at play covers the nearby wall of the station.

Hachiko may be gone but he will never be forgotten. The story behind the statue is one that has endured and continually warms the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Read more details here.

Thanks,

Myraine :-)

A Flexible and Versatile Professional

Something new, cool and very different...

This really seems to be a new home for me, new industry, new field of work, new colleagues, and new acquaintances, new me.

I really don’t know yet if I can stand the ultimate shift of career; I also don’t know if how long I can last in my new office. So many changes, so sudden, these things haven’t sunk in yet but one thing is for sure, right now I am beginning to love the people around me.

True enough, this can be a very good avenue for me to face my fears, deal with some challenges, and most of all, adopt and learn how to accomplish very “extreme” tasks.

I used to be the “boss” in my previous work experiences, well not now. Though my new colleagues would say that I am now they say that I am the company’s little boss, I am still having a hard time embracing the new career path for me.

This is very odd as I never plan/wish to work with a very minimal amount of salary. Honestly, what I’ll be getting right now wouldn’t even meet the 40% of my previous salaries.

Disregarding benefits and monetary compensations, I am just holding on as to what hubby and I have come to discernment: that this work can serve as my ground to acquire new skills and hit extremely new experiences.

Surrounded by real good people, I am positive about this endeavor. Camaraderie among my colleagues and fellow employees has been a great advantage.

Though I am not completely decided yet whether to pursue this path or not, I know God would always guide me – His Spirit empowers me.

Cheers,

Myraine :-)